House Democrats Unveil Massive Immigration Reform Plan
Dec. 15, 2009, 5:23 p.m.
By Jennifer Bendery
Roll Call Staff

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House proponents of comprehensive immigration reform unveiled their mammoth proposal Tuesday, with hopes that President Barack Obama will give a new push to their cause early next year.

The 700-page measure has 88 Democratic co-sponsors from a mix of liberal caucuses and ties together a mix of contentious provisions, namely a pathway to legalization for illegal immigrants. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), who has been leading the charge for immigration reform in the House, said Tuesday he is handing off ownership of the bill to Rep. Solomon Ortiz (D-Texas) since he founded the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and is the longest-serving Member of the group.

Bill supporters say they are optimistic that they will find the 218 votes to pass the bill by spring, despite its current lack of support among Republicans and moderate Democrats. “We’re getting the confidence from the mosaic you see here this afternoon,â€